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- Why choose a preferred source on Google?
- Ways to add or follow a source in Google
- Practical tips for users
- How publishers can encourage reader follows
- Troubleshooting common issues
- Privacy and personalization considerations
- SEO moves that help sites become preferred
- What to expect after adding a preferred source
If you want Google to favor news and updates from a particular site, you can tell the platform which sources matter most to you. The process is simple and gives you more control over the stories that appear in Google Discover and Google News.
Why choose a preferred source on Google?
Selecting a preferred source helps tailor your news feed. It raises the chances that articles from that outlet appear higher in your personalized stream. For readers, the benefit is clearer, more relevant coverage. For publishers, being chosen as a preferred source can increase visibility and referral traffic.
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Ways to add or follow a source in Google
On Google News
- Open the Google News app or news.google.com.
- Search for the outlet or article you trust.
- Click or tap the outlet name to open its profile.
- Use the Follow button to add it to your followed sources.
In Google Discover or Search
- When you see an article from a site you prefer, tap the three-dot menu next to the result.
- Choose options like More stories like this or Follow if shown.
- Adjust Discover preferences in the Google app settings to emphasize followed sources.
Practical tips for users
- Follow several trusted outlets to balance viewpoints.
- Use the feedback controls (more/less stories) to refine recommendations.
- Check your Google account settings for content personalization and interests.
- Remember that not all publishers offer a distinct “preferred source” toggle. Follow and feedback are the common tools.
How publishers can encourage reader follows
Publishers who want to be chosen as a go-to source can take targeted steps. These improve discoverability and make it easier for readers to follow.
- Register with Google News and submit a clear site map.
- Use structured data so Google understands your articles.
- Publish reliable, timely reporting to build authority.
- Add visible follow buttons and prompts on your site and social channels.
Troubleshooting common issues
- If you don’t see a follow option, update the Google app or try the desktop site.
- Clear app cache if changes to followed sources aren’t appearing.
- Confirm you’re signed into the correct Google account.
- Some regions and languages may not support all follow features.
Privacy and personalization considerations
Choosing preferred sources affects personalization. Google uses your follows and feedback to shape recommendations. You can always turn personalization off in account settings. If privacy is a concern, review ad and activity controls in your Google account.
SEO moves that help sites become preferred
Sites that want to earn a place in readers’ preferred lists should focus on discoverability and trust. Concrete SEO moves make a difference.
- Keep content well-structured and mobile-friendly.
- Implement schema.org markup for news articles.
- Maintain clear author bylines and publishing dates.
- Develop a consistent publishing cadence and topical expertise.
What to expect after adding a preferred source
Once you follow or mark a source, expect more articles from that outlet in your feed. The effect is gradual. Google balances your follows with other signals like recency and engagement. If you change your mind, you can unfollow at any time.
